Cable detect and EMI reduction apparatus and method

Abstract

A repeater, useable for connecting switches in a data communication network, is provided in a distributed and/or modular fashion. The repeater includes a plurality of separate and distinct components or modules connected to or at least partially housed in, the various switches which the repeater modules couple. Preferably, the repeater autodetects and/or autoconfigures some or all aspects of repeater operations, such as detecting and/or configuring in response to appropriate or approved cable-type connections. A conductive, sealing member on a cable connector substantially reduces or eliminates EMI.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. Apparatus for avoiding electromagnetic interference in a region where a cable coupler having a sleeve member extending therefrom is connected to a cable-receiving coupling of an electronic device comprising: 
       a substantially conductive, resilient O-ring substantially surrounding said coupler sleeve member, wherein  
       said resilient O-ring is disposed on said cable coupler in a manner such that when said cable receiving coupling engages said sleeve member, said resilient O-ring is compressed in a direction of insertion of said cable receiving coupling into said sleeve member, thereby terminating a circumferential gap between said cable receiving coupling and said sleeve member.  
     
     
       2. Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said O-ring is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of metal-impregnated polymers and silicone conductive elastomer. 
     
     
       3. Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said O-ring forms a substantially continuous conductive pathway around the circumference of said sleeve member and also around a circumference of said cable-receiving coupling. 
     
     
       4. A method for avoiding electromagnetic interference in a region where a cable coupler, having a sleeve member extending therefrom, is connected to a cable-receiving coupling of an electromagnetic device comprising: 
       providing an O-ring formed of a substantially conductive resilient material, having a size to accommodate said sleeve member, said O-ring being disposed on said cable coupler in a manner such that when said cable receiving coupling engages said sleeve member, said O-ring is compressed in a direction of insertion of said cable receiving coupling into said sleeve member, thereby terminating a circumferential gap between said cable receiving coupling and said sleeve member, and  
       inserting said sleeve member through the central opening of said O-ring.  
     
     
       5. Apparatus for avoiding electromagnetic interference in the region where a cable coupler is connected to a cable-receiving coupling of an electronic device comprising: 
       a substantially conductive, resilient gasket means positioned to form a conductive seal substantially surrounding said region where said cable coupler is connected to said cable-receiving coupling, when said cable coupler and said cable receiving coupling are engaged, wherein  
       said gasket means is disposed on said cable coupler in a manner such that when said cable receiving coupling engages said cable coupler, said gasket means is compressed in a direction of insertion of said cable receiving coupling into said cable coupler, thereby terminating a circumferential gap between said cable receiving coupling and said cable coupler.  
     
     
       6. Apparatus for avoiding electromagnetic interference in a region where a cable coupler having a sleeve member extending therefrom is connected to a cable-receiving coupling of an electronic device comprising: 
       a substantially conductive collar substantially surrounding said sleeve member, said collar having a radially outwardly protruding rib, wherein  
       said collar is disposed on said cable coupler in a manner such that when said cable receiving coupling engages said sleeve member, said collar is compressed in a direction of insertion of said cable receiving coupling into said sleeve member, thereby terminating a circumferential gap between said cable receiving coupling and said sleeve member.